A man bearing an uncanny resemblance to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has spoken out after a video of him went viral.
In footage seen by TNX Africa, the man, who identified himself as Palm Beach Pete, was recorded driving a convertible, sparking widespread debate on social media.
Pete first appeared on an episode of the ‘Nicky Gordo Show,’ where he said, “I’m minding my own business, driving down to a place in town. And the next thing you know, hundreds of millions of views.”
In an interview with TMZ, he clarified that he was not the late financier and has lived in Florida for years. “I am Palm Beach Pete. I’m a regular guy, retired, who has lived in the city a long time and worked in commercial real estate. I love to play tennis; I am really social.”
Asked whether he would change his appearance because of Epstein’s notorious reputation, he said, “I am not going to change. This guy is dead and was a really bad person. I get to hold my head high because I didn’t do anything besides look similar. I’m a better-looking version of Jeffrey.”
Despite mixed reactions online, Palm Beach Pete said he has never faced mistreatment or harassment.
“People think it’s hilarious, and honestly, I have never had a bad encounter,” he said.
He gave examples: “I was at a restaurant just outside Palm Beach, and the bartender wanted to take a photo of me. A bunch of people asked if I was the one who went viral, and another asked to shake my hand.”
Pete also claimed he had seen Epstein at events and parties but never interacted with him.
“I went to a couple of parties, and Epstein was there, sitting by himself. He wasn’t the magnitude that people think he was. People didn’t know how he made his money or the whole story. I never spoke to him, just saw him at a party,” he said.
Social media reactions were mixed, with many startled by the resemblance.
Nurse Garcia on Instagram wrote, “I think he’s enjoying all the attention.”
Another user, Darude, added, “This guy really just said he was at the same parties as him.”
Dakota Rivers chimed in, “That’s 100% Jeffrey, bro.”
